Store fruits and veggies in separate refrigerator bins if they must be refrigerated.

Store produce in vented bags or containers.

Ripen produce in a paper bag if needed.

Rinse produce with tap water shortly before eating. Never use detergent or bleach. Packaged fruits and vegetables labeled “washed” don’t need to be washed again.

Cut fruits and veggies immediately before using. Slicing and dicing too soon shortens the life of your produce.

Some produce can be frozen if it’s near the end of its shelf life. Fruits and veggies with high water content, like watermelon, lettuce, cucumbers and celery, don't freeze well.

If it’s already spoiled, throw it out, Urban said.

Guide to storing produce(Photo: Marshfield Clinic)

Skip special containers and produce sprays. Special storage containers for produce aren't necessary to extend their shelf life. Any vented bag or container will work. Avoid products that don't let air circulate around the produce.

Sprays designed to clean fruits and veggies also aren't needed. Tap water is all you need to clean produce.

Guide to storing produce

Not sure how long fruits and veggies should last or where to store them?

Download and print this handy guide to storing produce. Keep it in your kitchen for quick reference.

This article is part of the "Central to Your Health" series produced by Marshfield Clinic. To find more stories like this, visit Shine365 at Marshfield Clinic.

Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA Today Network were not involved in the creation of this content.